Firearm with a cartridge

ABSTRACT

A firearm with a cartridge has a barrel with an inside surface, a barrel length that is measured starting from a chamber to a barrel muzzle, and a barrel shaft, wherein the cartridge has a single, sabot-free projectile with a peripheral surface. A gap that is open end-to-end in the direction of the barrel shaft is present along at least 90% of the barrel length and over at least 90% of the circumference of the projectile between the peripheral surface of the projectile and the inside surface of the barrel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to AT Patent Application No. A 50748/2020 filed Sep. 2, 2020, the entire contents of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a firearm with a cartridge, which has a barrel with an inside surface, a barrel length that is measured from a chamber to a barrel muzzle, and a barrel shaft, wherein the cartridge has a single, sabot-free projectile with a peripheral surface.

In addition, the invention relates to the use of such a firearm.

Description of the Related Art

Cartridges for firearms in general have either a number of small bullets, for example pellets, or, as in the case of this invention, a single projectile.

In the predominant number of cartridges with a projectile, projectiles are used whose outside diameter is equal in value to or slightly larger than the inside diameter (in the case of rifled barrels, larger than the inside clearance) of the barrel of the firearm, so that when fired, the projectiles seal the barrel. As a projectile, an arrow or dart can also be used, such as, for example, in the case of so-called kinetic energy penetrators. Since its outside diameter is considerably smaller than the inside diameter of the barrel, the projectile is equipped with a sabot, which seals the barrel of the firearm and prevents propellant from flowing past the projectile. The sabot is discarded after the projectile has left the barrel.

With muzzle-loading weapons, even today, balls that are slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the barrel were and are fired. In order to allow as gas-tight an arrangement as possible in the barrel, wadding or patches are used. Such wadding or patches—even if this does not correspond to the technical term of a sabot—are classified as sabots within the framework of this invention since they seal the projectile relative to the barrel.

There was therefore always an effort to prevent propellant from flowing past the projectile over the entire barrel length, so that the gas pressure is exploited as much as possible.

This means that the weapons have to be equipped over their entire length with a relatively thick-walled barrel, since the barrel has to withstand—over its entire length—the gas pressure, which decreases over the length but is always still significant in the region before the barrel muzzle. This has a major impact on the overall weight and on the material costs of the barrel and thus the firearm.

In particular, in the case of small arms, which are used in armed conflicts, the weight of the weapons plays a major role, since soldiers must often carry the latter over long distances. However, firefights, in particular in urban scenarios, often happen at short range, so that in this case, maximum efficiency in terms of firing as many rounds as possible into a strike zone is more important than high precision.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is to make available a firearm with a cartridge of the above-mentioned type, which reduces the problems of the state of the art that are addressed. In particular, a firearm with a cartridge is to be made available that is lighter than firearms that are known from the state of the art.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a firearm with a cartridge that has the features of claim 1.

In addition, this object is achieved by the use of a firearm with the features of claim 16.

Preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject matter of the subclaims.

According to the invention, it is provided that along at least 90% of the barrel length and over at least 90% of the circumference of the projectile between the peripheral surface of the projectile and the inside surface of the barrel, a gap that is open end-to-end in the direction of the barrel shaft is present.

Since, when the projectile is expelled from the barrel, propellant flows past the projectile through the gap that is open end-to-end in the direction of the barrel shaft, the gas pressure behind the projectile is already considerably lower after a short travel of the projectile than in the case of conventional firearms. Therefore, in the case of the firearm according to the invention, in particular after a short or increasing distance from the chamber, a thinner-walled and thus lighter barrel in comparison to conventional firearms can be used.

In the case of the firearm according to the invention, the projectile is stabilized in the barrel by the propellant flowing past it, so that a surprisingly high accuracy can be achieved. Also, the muzzle velocity of the projectiles is unexpectedly high, since not only the force of friction in the barrel is to be minimized or eliminated, but also the projectile is to be accelerated by the suction effect of the gases flowing past it.

The minimum width of the gap that is measured in the radial direction of the barrel is preferably between 0.2 mm and 2 mm.

In particular, the gap in the case of the invention can have a minimum width of at least 0.3 mm, in particular a minimum width of at least 0.5 mm, which width is measured in the radial direction of the barrel. In particular, the gap in the case of the invention can also have a minimum width of at most 1 mm, in particular a minimum width of at most 0.6 mm, which width is measured in the radial direction of the barrel. Any combinations of the indicated upper and lower limits of the gap width are possible.

In the invention, preferred limits for the gap width can also be defined, for example, so that the outside diameter of the projectile is at least 2%, preferably at least 5%, and in particular at least 10% smaller than the inside diameter of the barrel. Depending on the caliber, the outside diameter of the projectile can also be at most 25%, especially preferably at most 10%, and in particular at most 5% smaller than the inside diameter of the barrel. Any combinations of the indicated upper and lower limits are possible.

It is understood that the indicated limits of the gap width and diameter differences can also be exceeded or can fall short in particular—but not only—in the case of especially small and especially large calibers.

In particular, however, according to the invention, the difference between the inside diameter of the barrel and the outside diameter of the projectile is to be greater in the case of smaller calibers and smaller in the case of larger calibers, so that the gap width is not too small in the case of small calibers and not too large in the case of large calibers. In particular, however, in the invention, the gap width is smaller in the case of smaller calibers and larger in the case of larger calibers.

It is especially preferred when the inside surface of the barrel is essentially smooth. Within the framework of the invention, the largest diameter of the inside surface in a longitudinal section of the barrel is referred to as the inside diameter of the barrel in the case of a smooth rifled barrel.

It is also possible within the framework of the invention, however, that the inside surface of the barrel is structured or rough at least in places, i.e., at least in places, it has a flat surface that is structured with small projections or recesses of, for example, less than 0.2 mm in height or depth. Such a structuring in the form of, for example, scale-like, sawtooth-shaped, or cup-shaped projections or recesses can swirl the propellant in a targeted manner in order to be able to use flow parameter advantages that occur in this way.

Embodiments are preferred in which the barrel has an essentially uniform inside diameter. Such barrels can be manufactured more easily.

In an alternative embodiment, the barrel can, however, also have an inside diameter that changes along the length of the barrel. In particular, the barrel can have an inside diameter that narrows before the barrel muzzle. Thus, the pressure loss can be decreased by the gap that narrows, optionally reduced to a gap width of 0 mm, in the region before the muzzle, and the existing residual pressure can be used more effectively. Also, the guiding of the projectile into the barrel and thus the accuracy of the weapon can be improved as a result. Additionally or alternatively, it is possible that the barrel has an inside diameter that increases only at a distance of, for example, 5 to 10 cm from the chamber, at which point the gas pressure can be used optimally right after the chamber, and the advantages that arise because of the gap according to the invention only then take effect.

According to the invention, it is also possible that arms that project radially inward from the inside surface are arranged on the inside surface of the barrel and that, measured in the peripheral direction, the arms adjoin the peripheral surface over at most 10%, in particular over at most 5%.

In this case, the region with the largest diameter in a longitudinal section of the barrel is referred to as the inside surface of the barrel.

The arms preferably run straight over the length of the barrel or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the barrel, i.e., in the direction of the barrel shaft. In the case of such a barrel, the maximum outside diameter of the projectile is only slightly smaller than or equal in value to the inside diameter of the arms. Thus, the propellant can flow past the projectile through the offset gap that is formed between the arms, while the projectile is guided simultaneously through the arms into the barrel.

When the projectile adjoins only the comparatively narrow front surfaces of the arms, only a very low frictional resistance has to be overcome as the projectile is expelled from the barrel, but an improved guiding of the projectiles into the barrel and thus an improved accuracy are provided.

Alternatively, it is also possible that projections that run in the direction of the barrel shaft and that project radially outward from the peripheral surface are arranged on the peripheral surface of the projectile and that, measured in the peripheral direction, the projections adjoin the inside surface of the barrel over at most 10%, in particular over at most 5%. Advantages similar to those of a barrel with inward-projecting arms thus arise.

In the invention, the use of cartridges that are known in principle is preferred, which cartridges have a sleeve in which a propelling charge that is used as propellant as well as the projectile are accommodated at least in sections. The firing of the propelling charge ensures that propellant is provided for expelling the projectile from the barrel.

Embodiments are also possible, however, in the form of pneumatic weapons, in which the propellant is not provided by the propelling charge of a cartridge but rather, for example, from a gas tank, for example a capsule or gas cartridge. In the case of such firearms, in terms of the invention, the chamber in which the projectile is accommodated is classified as a chamber and the projectile as a cartridge.

It is especially preferred when the propelling charge of the cartridge has an offensive powder, in particular a flake or stick powder. An offensive powder burns especially quickly, so that even at the beginning of the burning process, a very high gas pressure develops, which then decreases faster in comparison to a less offensive powder. In particular, a powder that is also used in buckshot is suitable for this purpose in the invention.

Preferred are embodiments in which the projectile has an essentially spherical or oval shape or a cylindrical shape with a conical or ogival tip.

In particular, the firearm with a cartridge within the framework of the invention is a small arm. For example, the firearm can be a gun, such as a rifle or shotgun, or a handgun, for example a pistol. It is also conceivable, however, that the firearm is a cannon, a grenade launcher, an artillery piece, or a mortar.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Additional details, features, and advantages of the invention follow from the description below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are depicted. Here:

FIG. 1 shows a diagrammatic side view of a firearm with a cartridge that is known from the state of the art, wherein the barrel is depicted in cutaway,

FIG. 2 shows a diagrammatic side view of a firearm with a cartridge according to the invention with a barrel that is depicted in cutaway,

FIG. 3 shows a longitudinal section through the barrel of the firearm with a cartridge according to the invention in simplified depiction according to a first embodiment,

FIG. 4 shows a cross-section through the barrel of the firearm with a cartridge according to the invention in accordance with FIG. 3,

FIGS. 5 and 6 show another embodiment of a barrel according to the invention in simplified depiction in a longitudinal section and in cross-section,

FIGS. 7 and 8 show a third embodiment of a barrel with arms according to the invention in simplified depiction in a longitudinal section and in cross-section, and

FIGS. 9 and 10 show a fourth embodiment of a barrel with arms according to the invention in simplified depiction in a longitudinal section and in cross-section.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a conventional firearm 1 with a barrel 2 that is depicted in cutaway. The barrel 2 has an inside diameter D_(L). A cartridge 3 is located in a chamber 4 of the barrel 2. The length of the barrel 2 that is measured in the direction of the barrel shaft from the front end of the chamber 4 to the muzzle 7 of the barrel 2 is referred to as barrel length L.

The cartridge 3 has a projectile 5 with a maximum outside diameter D_(P), which is accommodated with a rear section in a sleeve 6 of the cartridge 3. In addition, the sleeve 6 is filled with a propelling charge, which can be fired by a firing mechanism of the firearm 1, not shown. When firing the propelling charge, propellant is produced, with which the projectile 5 is driven out of the barrel 2 by the gas pressure that is exerted by propellant.

In the case of a conventional firearm 1 as depicted in FIG. 1, the projectile 5 has a maximum outside diameter D_(P) that is essentially equal in value to or slightly larger than the inside diameter D_(L) of the barrel 2.

FIG. 2 shows a firearm 1 with a cartridge 3 according to the invention, wherein the barrel 2 is also depicted in cutaway.

The inside diameter D_(L) of the smooth barrel 2 of the firearm 1 according to the invention that is depicted in FIG. 2 is larger than the maximum outside diameter D_(P) of the projectile 5. Between an inside surface 8 of the barrel and a peripheral surface 9 of the projectile 5, there is therefore a gap 10 that is open end-to-end in the direction of the barrel shaft, which gap extends around the entire circumference of the projectile 5. Thus, when the projectile 5 is expelled from the barrel 2, the propellant can flow past through the gap 10 between an inside surface 8 of the barrel 2 and the peripheral surface 9 of the projectile 5.

In FIG. 2, for better illustration, the maximum outside diameter D_(P) of the projectile 5 is depicted much smaller than the inside diameter D_(L) of the barrel 2. Actually, however, embodiments are preferred in which the maximum outside diameter D_(P) of the projectile 5 is only between 2% and 25%, in particular between 5% and 10%, smaller than the inside diameter D_(L) of the barrel 2.

FIGS. 3 to 10 show the barrel 2 of the firearm 1 according to the invention in various embodiments, in each case one in a longitudinal section (FIGS. 3, 5, 7, and 9) and in a cross-section (FIGS. 4, 6, 8, and 10).

The projectile 5 is depicted in FIGS. 3 to 10 after the firing of the propelling charge that is accommodated in the sleeve 6, i.e., when the projectile 5 is expelled from the barrel 2. The propellant flows past the projectile 5 through the gap 10 that is formed between the inside surface 8 of the barrel 2 and the peripheral surface 9 of the projectile 5, as is depicted by the arrow 11.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 3 and 4, the barrel 2 has an essentially uniform inside diameter D_(L) over its length L. The width B of the gap 10 that is formed end-to-end between the inside surface 8 of the barrel 2 and the peripheral surface 9 of the projectile 5 is the same over the entire length L of the barrel 2.

In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6, the inside diameter D_(L) of the barrel 2 increases continuously toward the muzzle 7, so that from the chamber 4 to the muzzle 7, the width B of the gap 10 between the inside surface 8 of the barrel 2 and the peripheral surface 9 of the projectile 5 also becomes greater and greater.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show an embodiment of the firearm 1 according to the invention, in which arms 12, which run in the longitudinal direction of the barrel 2, i.e., in the direction of the barrel shaft, are arranged on the inside surface 8 of the barrel 2. The gap 10 therefore does not extend around the entire circumference of the projectile 5, but rather only over at least 90% of the circumference. The interruptions of the gap 10 by the width of the arms 12 are accordingly at most 10% of the circumference of the projectile 5, but preferably less, for example less than 5% of the circumference, so that the friction between the front surfaces of the arms 12 and the peripheral surface 9 of the projectile 5 is as low as possible. The gap width B is determined by the height of the arms 12 in the embodiments of FIGS. 7 and 8.

Front sides of the arms 12 that are directed radially inward form a guide channel 13, which has a diameter D_(F). The diameter D_(F) of the guide channel 13 is only slightly larger than or equal in value to the maximum outside diameter D_(P) of the projectile 5. The projectile 5 is thus guided in the guide channel 13, but the propellant can flow past the projectile 5 between the arms 12 through the gap 10 that is open end-to-end in the direction of the barrel shaft.

The embodiment of the firearm 1 according to the invention that is depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10 is the same as the embodiment that is depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8, except that an oval projectile 5 is used rather than a spherical one. The oval projectile 5 has fins 14, which stabilize the projectile 5 in flight.

The depicted embodiments represent only preferred embodiments of the firearm 1 with a cartridge 3 according to the invention. Combinations that arise therefrom are also conceivable within the framework of the invention.

REFERENCE SYMBOL LIST

-   1 Firearm -   2 Barrel -   3 Cartridge -   4 Chamber -   5 Projectile -   6 Sleeve -   7 Muzzle -   8 Inside Surface of the Barrel -   9 Peripheral Surface of the Projectile -   10 Gap -   11 Arrow -   12 Arm -   13 Guide Channel -   14 Projection -   B Gap Width -   L Length of the Barrel -   D_(P) Outside Diameter of the Projectile -   D_(L) Inside Diameter of the Barrel -   D_(F) Diameter of the Guide Channel 

1. Firearm (1) with a cartridge (3), which has a barrel (2) with an inside surface (8), a barrel length (L) that is measured starting from a chamber (4) to a barrel muzzle, and a barrel shaft, wherein the cartridge (3) has a single, sabot-free projectile (5) with a peripheral surface (9), wherein a gap (10) that is open end-to-end in the direction of the barrel shaft is present along at least 90% of the barrel length (L) and over at least 90% of the circumference of the projectile (5) between the peripheral surface (9) of the projectile (5) and the inside surface (8) of the barrel (2).
 2. The firearm according to claim 1, wherein the gap (10) has a minimum width (B), measured in the radial direction of the barrel (2), of at least 0.2 mm.
 3. The firearm according to claim 1, wherein the gap (10) has a minimum width (B), measured in the radial direction of the barrel (2), of at most 2 mm.
 4. The firearm according to claim 1, wherein the barrel (2) has an inside surface (8) that is essentially smooth.
 5. The firearm according to claim 1, wherein the barrel (2) has an inside surface (8) with an essentially uniform inside diameter (D_(L)) over the barrel length (L).
 6. The firearm according to claim 1, wherein the barrel (2) has an inside surface (8) with an inside diameter (D_(L)) that changes along the barrel length (L).
 7. The firearm according to claim 6, wherein the barrel (2) has an inside surface (8) with an inside diameter (D_(L)) that narrows before the barrel muzzle.
 8. The firearm according to claim 6, wherein the barrel (2) has an inside surface (8) with an inside diameter (D_(L)) that increases at a distance of 5 to 10 cm from the chamber (4).
 9. The firearm with a cartridge according to claim 1, wherein arms (12) that run in the direction of the barrel shaft and that project radially inward from the inside surface (8) are arranged on the inside surface (8) of the barrel (2), and wherein, measured in the peripheral direction, the arms (12) adjoin the peripheral surface (9) of the projectile (5) over at most
 10. 10. The firearm with a cartridge according to claim 9, wherein an inside diameter (D_(F)) of the arms (12) is constant over the barrel length (L).
 11. The firearm with a cartridge according to claim 1, wherein projections (14) that run in the direction of the barrel shaft and that project radially outward from the peripheral surface (9) are arranged on the peripheral surface (9) of the projectile (5), and wherein, measured in the peripheral direction, the projections (14) adjoin the inside surface (8) of the barrel (2) over at most 10%.
 12. The firearm with a cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge (3) has a sleeve (6), in which a propelling charge that is used as propellant as well as the projectile (5) are accommodated at least in sections.
 13. The firearm with a cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the propelling charge has an offensive powder.
 14. The firearm with a cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the projectile (5) has an essentially spherical or oval shape or a cylindrical shape with a conical or ogival tip.
 15. The firearm with a cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the firearm (1) is a small arm, in particular a gun or a handgun, or a cannon.
 16. A method (1) for firing a single, sabot-free projectile (5) of a cartridge (3) from a firearm, comprising: providing the firearm (1) comprising a barrel (2) with an inside surface (8), a barrel length (L) that is measured starting from a chamber (4) to a barrel muzzle, and a barrel shaft; arranging the cartridge in the chamber; and firing the firearm; wherein the projectile (5) has a maximum circumference and a peripheral surface (9), so that as the projectile (5) moves along at least 90% of the barrel length (L) and over at least 90% of the maximum circumference of the projectile (5) between the peripheral surface (9) of the projectile (5) and the inside surface (8) of the barrel (2), a gap (10) that is open end-to-end in the direction of the barrel shaft is present, through which gap the propellant accelerating the projectile (5) flows past the projectile (5).
 17. The method Use according to claim 16, wherein the firearm (1) is a firearm (1) with a cartridge (3) according to claim
 2. 18. The firearm according to claim 1, wherein the gap (10) has a minimum width (B), measured in the radial direction of the barrel (2), of at least 0.3 mm.
 19. The firearm according to claim 1, wherein the gap (10) has a minimum width (B), measured in the radial direction of the barrel (2), of at least 0.5 mm.
 20. The firearm according to claim 1, wherein the gap (10) has a minimum width (B), measured in the radial direction of the barrel (2), of at most 1 mm. 